Q & A With Chelsea ReganBC senior defender talks about the next match against Washington

Chelsea Regan

Nov. 24, 2010

Chestnut Hill, MA -
The Boston College women's soccer team will host the University of Washington on Saturday, Nov. 27 at the Newton Soccer Field in the NCAA Elite Eight game at 4 p.m. The Eagles have won four consecutive games, including a 4-0 victory over West Virginia last weekend in the Sweet 16 game.

Senior Chelsea Regan is a four-year starter for the Eagles. She moved from the midfield to the defense this season to help the Eagles move forward this season. BC is currently 16-6-1 and Regan talks about the season and how the team has evolved.

What has been the key to the teams NCAA run this season?

Maturity and depth have been major factors. Everyone who has returned to the team from last year, experienced the road to the Elite Eight and knew what it would take to do it again. We've also suffered some injuries, but fortunately, we're able to continue without missing a step.

This is a big week for the team. How will you all stay focused?

Generally speaking, it'll be important to recognize the magnitude of the game ahead of us, while being level-headed about it at the same time - taking care of all the necessary details to prepare us for a win.

Team defense has been solid this season can you talk a little about the back line, the changes, the chemistry between all of you, as well as Jill Mastroianni?

A backline, goalkeeper included, has to be able to depend on the members that compose it. There's a necessary synergy to it. I think we've understood that need, no matter who the personnel has been, and been able to fulfill it.

When you look back on the season, there was a rough patch. How did this team turn it around?

We had to revisit what has made our team successful in the past. We had to get our intensity back and be relentless all over the field. I definitely believe we're better for having struggled through that stretch of the season.

Talk about the last four years. Is the success more than what you expected?

I knew this team had potential to have a lot of success. My freshman year we had a disappointing loss in the first round of NCAAs in penalty kicks against UConn. The following year we went down in the Sweet 16 against FSU, and last year we lost in the Elite Eight to Stanford. There's an obvious pattern of growth we've had in the past few years and I think that's a huge success in and of itself. It would be incredible to have my final season be indicative of even more growth by us getting to the Final Four.

You are one of six seniors on this year's squad. What are you goals or ambitions after graduation?

I would like to continue my education in graduate school, pursuing a master's in English.